Lovlina Borgohain hurt as Glasgow restaurant's India map omits Northeast; owners apologise
Glasgow, August 2: Ace Indian boxer Lovlina Borgohain has expressed disappointment after noticing that a map of India used by a prominent Indian restaurant in Glasgow omitted the country's northeastern states. The 2026 Commonwealth Games silver medallist flagged the error during a team dinner, prompting the restaurant management to acknowledge the mistake and assure corrective action.
Lovlina, who hails from Assam, was part of the Indian boxing contingent celebrating a historic campaign at the Games, where the team bagged a record 10 medals — seven gold and three silver. The dinner was hosted at Mister Singh's India, The Home of Curry, a well-known Indian dining destination in Glasgow that has previously hosted several touring sports teams and dignitaries.
During the interaction, Lovlina noticed the map on the restaurant's napkins and an external display did not include the Northeast region. In a calm and measured tone, she said, "Please don't take this the wrong way. I felt a little hurt by this. In the map of India, our North East is missing. Yes, even outside, the map that's displayed has cut off the North East. As someone from the North East, that really hurts us. That's all I wanted to say. Please keep this in mind next time. Thank you so much."
Boxing Federation of India (BFI) president Ajay Singh, who was present at the restaurant, clarified that there was no confrontation. He told PTI: "There was no confrontation. It was an aberration and we pointed that out, me and Lovlina. They accepted their mistake and assured us that it will be corrected."
The incident has sparked a wider conversation about the representation of the Northeast in national imagery. The region, comprising eight states, is often overlooked in maps and other visual representations of India, an issue that has long been a point of sensitivity for residents of the area. Lovlina's gentle but firm objection has been widely appreciated on social media, with many praising her for raising awareness in a dignified manner.
The restaurant owner, who has not been named in reports, issued an apology and promised to update the maps immediately. The establishment has been a favourite for Indian sports teams and visitors, and this incident serves as a reminder that accurate representation matters, even in subtle details.
Lovlina, a Tokyo Olympics bronze medallist, added a Commonwealth Games silver to her growing list of achievements. Her rise from a small village in Assam to international podium finishes has made her a role model for aspiring athletes in the Northeast. Her gesture underscores the importance of national unity and mutual respect, irrespective of the context.
As India continues to celebrate its athletes' success at the Commonwealth Games, the episode offers a gentle lesson in attentiveness to cultural and geographical sensitivities, both at home and abroad.
